Jim Mora Expected to be Named HC | Page 17 | The Boneyard

Jim Mora Expected to be Named HC

RSTuthill said:
Good to see the UConn Daily this morning expressing exactly the same concerns as me.

I guess this gets down to how relevant you think being an NFL head coach is on a coaching resume. In my view, not relevant at all unless it helps recruiting and that is highly doubtful. Totally different world.

A friend of mine posted on my newsfeed, "A west coast Pasquoloni". Yes, higher achievement on the NFL on the JM resume for whatever that is worth. But much thinner accomplishments in CFB. Yes, he had some gaudy recruiting classes at UCLA, but by the time his recruits took over the two deep, the trend was downward for wins and losses and he got let go. What does that mean?? In fact, it could be compellingly argued that Randy also had a better CFB record when he arrived the second time too.

Looking at ages, Randy recently turned 58 when he took over the second time, Mora will be 60, Pasquoloni recently turned 62. The similarities are uncanny.

My conclusion is that it will all depend on the staff Mora hires. If they are old cronies, that could be problematic. The next few weeks will be interesting. Keeping an open mind. Willing to be convinced.
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Nick Saban is 70. Stop it.
 
noeynox said:
DanO was quoted in the papers referring to AD Dave as a "schmuck". I for one am shocked AD Dave didn't call to get his input.
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I totally forgot that happened. I don't blame AD David Benedict one bit for not looking to him for guidance or even having a conversation, especially when his loyalty may lean towards Edsall before UConn, at least when it comes to football.

Former UConn Quarterback Dan Orlovsky Clarifies 'Schmuck' Comment
 
Pudge said:
look ... we can talk all day about your 58 or 60 or whatever - that's my age approximately. And when I go to meetings with comparably aged 60 year olds, sometimes I say ... gosh, they look old. Mora looks like a kid as he gets on that plane to Clemson,


Let me summarize the recruiting dilemma - as I see it - having a degree from BOTH UCLA and UCONN. Edsall actually - from the early 2000s - got the right formula for how UCONN (as a New England Public U) has to recruit. Connecticut kids (need more development and camps - grab phenom athleticism) and Quebec, Upstate NY Penn MD NJ and greater Mass circling Boston (incl NH). Lots of FL (20%) sprinkling in GA + TX over time. Edsall had this targeted better than PP or Diaco. The Transfer portal is a big deal and apt critique of Edsall. Then the Prep school comment from Jeff Jacobs.

Mora has to prove in his first 45 days that he gets this construct. With Spanos. And maybe a few trusted inside guys and networking. There is some UCLA ground that can be used in New England - not a lot. ALL the West Coast has Polynesian line and the JuCo in California is the best in the country now. Mora will be tested in the early days. He primarily also needs to recruit the 70 kids that need to be evaluated for the Spring competition on campus.

The major MORA spark that I see Day One ... is we instantly have a platform of interest - CBS Sportsline has to be more excited than yesterday morning. We will have TV for a few years more.

... and if he gets Mazzone, we will get a top 40 QB often. NM is known for being a Maestro of QB development and the various teaching QB instructors nationally will know to send kids to him. Moynseenko or the previous UCONN OC/QB coaching are not on the map.
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Good thoughtful discussion. I also think that having him hit the ground running as an analyst is key. So we shall see. Agree too on Mazzone.
 
CallMeBruce said:
I have reliable info that Golden was never on the search committee's radar. That report was garbage.
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I looked up that source and said whiskey tango foxtrot?? And the rest was just echo chamber.
 
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RSTuthill said:
Good thoughtful discussion. I also think that having him hit the ground running as an analyst is key. So we shall see. Agree too on Mazzone.
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Biggest thing so far is it appears Mora really wants to be at UCONN and is ready to take job He needs to salvage and add onto our recruiting class. Keeping Spanos in some capacity will help with current player buy-in and retention. Time will tell but Mora is a FOOTBALL COACH and has passion for the game.
We have not been a passionate football time for a long while!
 
Pudge said:
Well. Let's look at Idaho as a retreat after getting fired in LA. And a divorce + his kids leaving the nest. Yes. I can relate to this 5 year period and know his energy level. Plus this relates to Kevin Ollie: you rather this than that.
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But no one reached out to him before this? Or is UConn such a jewel opportunity that he just had to grab it?
After Edsel I’m just gunshy about an older HC coming in for a money grab, that’s all.
 
GetTheFacts said:
I really don't mind the hire. People that are criticizing are neglecting just how bad this program is right now. Mora has a proven track record at the highest levels of the sport and he was a pretty-damn good recruiter too. Hopefully Mazzone stays on board.
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I get it. They NEEDED to make a splash-my preference would have been a younger D2 or 1AA with a track record. I'm OK with this.
 
Dean Wormer said:
But no one reached out to him before this? Or is UConn such a jewel opportunity that he just had to grab it?
After Edsel I’m just gunshy about an older HC coming in for a money grab, that’s all.
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You know ... this just isn't that hard. There is a former University of Washington QB named Hugh Millen who has a few week old campaign to get Jim Mora hired at UW to replace Jimmy Lake. You are acting like he is grandpa out to pasture. Ain't close to his market value for jobs. In the MW or Pac 12, he has value as a HC. If you possibly could be the Huskies coach in Seattle ... why would you become the Huskies coach in East Hartford. Two thoughts: Some guys love rehab jobs (and following Lake in that environment won't be fun) AND Mora has anchors in friends Spanos and Mazzone to report back.

Plus. I see this as two West Coast guys - Benedict and Mora - who culturally mesh. Maybe that is hard to explain here on the The Boneyard; but this world often comes to that. Benedict probably wouldn't connect with some NE types ... think Pasqualoni. Maybe Chesney (haha)
 
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Pudge said:
You know ... this just isn't that hard. There is a former University of Washington QB named Hugh Millen who has a few week old campaign to get Jim Mora hired at UW to replace Jimmy Lake. You are acting like he is grandpa out to pasture. Ain't close to his market value for jobs. In the MW or Pac 12, he has value as a HC. If you possibly could be the Huskies coach in Seattle ... why would you become the Huskies coach in East Hartford. Two thoughts: Some guys love rehab jobs (and following Lake in that environment won't be fun) AND Mora has anchors in friends Spanos and Mazzone to report back.

Plus. I see this as two West Coast guys - Benedict and Mora - who culturally mesh. Maybe that is hard to explain here on the The Boneyard; but this world often comes to that. Benedict probably wouldn't connect with some NE types ... think Pasqualoni. Maybe Chesney (haha)
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Hopefully we’ll get some more answers during the presser. And I hadn’t heard about UW reaching out.
Still gunshy though. PTSD
 
Chin Diesel said:
Podunk airports. Walking on tarmac to a set of stairs. Love it.
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Yup, and arriving for some Sun Valley fun's not all bad. Meanwhile, anyone in DL's terminals in SLC now MT or more likely in ATL around 8:35 tonight can keep an eye out for AD D.B. with HC JM.
 
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HardFacts said:
Biggest thing so far is it appears Mora really wants to be at UCONN and is ready to take job He needs to salvage and add onto our recruiting class. Keeping Spanos in some capacity will help with current player buy-in and retention. Time will tell but Mora is a FOOTBALL COACH and has passion for the game.
We have not been a passionate football time for a long while!
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I feel the same way. Honestly haven't felt this pumped since the last time we played and beat Houston. I get that there is some coach speak in his press conference, but man he actually sounds like he wants to be coaching at UConn. Compared to Diaco who from the get go had the "I took this job to get a better job" vibe from day one.
 
Dean Wormer said:
But no one reached out to him before this? Or is UConn such a jewel opportunity that he just had to grab it?
After Edsel I’m just gunshy about an older HC coming in for a money grab, that’s all.
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He’s approaching the end of a $12M payout from UCLA and he’s making money as an analyst on top of that, I doubt it’s about the money. Seems like some of y’all aren’t reading/watching the posts and presser on here. He’s a coaches son and has coached at the highest level of football, I’m sure he’s very competitive and wants to take on the challenge UConn football presents.
 
Pudge said:
because what the hell else do you do in Idaho ... if you aren't going fishing and there is no snow.
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Be a father to children now all out of high school, hike, bike, run, climb, train mountain climbers as Mora reportedly did (UW teammate Himalayas climber included), eat and imbibe well, breath fresh air, hunt, collect fairly nice UCLA payments, etc.

More relevant now for UConn, watch sh|t loads of football, work as an ESPN football analyst, visit many schools' games and practices staying abreast of evolving gridiron strategies, etc as Mora directly referenced in yesterday's media chat. I'm Switzerland on Mora's hiring and welcome a new beginning, yet also ponder how many coaching and time-consumed BCS, FCS, and D-2 coaches have such analytical opportunities? @Dean Wormer
 
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noeynox said:
DanO was quoted in the papers referring to AD Dave as a "schmuck". I for one am shocked AD Dave didn't call to get his input.
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DanO didn't just call him names, he was putting another guy in his job.
 
metsfan2323 said:
It is interesting how what the school finds desirable in a new football coach is very different from what they look for in a new basketball coach.

Chesney would have had a lot in common with the Hurley hire IMO, Mora would be like the basketball team going after Lon Kruger or Mike Woodson. I guess they feel the next great football coach is harder to identify.
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Isn’t it a good thing that Benedict isn’t locked into a single process or mindset when looking for coaching candidates?
 
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Da_Aisijimo_Gou said:
Be a father to children now all out of high school, hike, bike, run, climb, train mountain climbers as Mora reportedly did (UW teammate Himalayas climber included), eat and imbibe well, breath fresh air, hunt, collect fairly nice UCLA payments, etc.

More relevant now for UConn, watch sh|t loads of football, work as an ESPN football analyst, visit many schools' games and practices staying abreast of evolving gridiron strategies, etc as Mora directly referenced in yesterday's media chat. I'm Switzerland on Mora's hiring and welcome a new beginning, yet also ponder how many coaching and time-consumed BCS, FCS, and D-2 coaches have such analytical opportunities? @Dean Wormer
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It has the appearance of being a good hire. Of course, Bob Diaco also had the appearance of being a good hire. With JLM at least he has head-coaching experience in college and professionally, so he is unlikely to be overwhelmed in that role at Connecticut.

The jury is still out until we start winning football games, but I like the hire.
 
Da_Aisijimo_Gou said:
Be a father to children now all out of high school, hike, bike, run, climb, train mountain climbers as Mora reportedly did (UW teammate Himalayas climber included), eat and imbibe well, breath fresh air, hunt, collect fairly nice UCLA payments, etc.

More relevant now for UConn, watch sh|t loads of football, work as an ESPN football analyst, visit many schools' games and practices staying abreast of evolving gridiron strategies, etc as Mora directly referenced in yesterday's media chat. I'm Switzerland on Mora's hiring and welcome a new beginning, yet also ponder how many coaching and time-consumed BCS, FCS, and D-2 coaches have such analytical opportunities? @Dean Wormer
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I’m not against the hire at all. When i first heard about it I liked that it was a “name”guy, that fans had heard of. But there are legit questions to be asked.
I’m hoping against hope this works out because based on that article, it might be our last best shot at getting it right.
 
I can see the reasons for this hire:

1. Mora steps in early and we get off the coaching carousel. Helps with keeping our current class together.
2. He appears to be respected and has connections.
3. His college/pro experience and organizational skills.
4. Should be a good recruiter.
5. Looks and sounds younger than his age.
6. Has still been active at least as an analyst on the College level.

Cons:

1. A little older and out of the nuts and bolts of running a team and all that goes into it for a few years.
2. Maybe doesn't have that young hungry edge or a recent pattern of elevating losing programs.

All in all this will come down to 3 things for me.

1. Is he stale, rusty or out of touch with the game, or ready to put together everything he's learned, all his connections and goals to turn things around?
2. Can he recruit " like heck"?
-and most importantly...
3. Will he hire the right Coordinators and let them do their thing?

If those questions are answered positively this will be a huge win.
I have no idea. But Dave Benedict's judgement will either be validated or abrogated by the result of this choice and for now we should support it. Certainly more positive than the last 3 picks on multiple levels.
 
huskymedic said:
“Some Guy” isn’t wrong here:




There are clearly exceptions but the majority of high end kids are @ the Prep Schools (check list over the past few years). Mora needs to find his CT “guy” that has strong relationships (or is/was one of them). Also needs to build strong relationships w/ local private trainers.
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Don’t we have a former coach that is at Avon Old Farms now?
 
Jimdish255 said:
I can see the reasons for this hire:

1. Mora steps in early and we get off the coaching carousel. Helps with keeping our current class together.
2. He appears to be respected and has connections.
3. His college/pro experience and organizational skills.
4. Should be a good recruiter.
5. Looks and sounds younger than his age.
6. Has still been active at least as an analyst on the College level.

Cons:

1. A little older and out of the nuts and bolts of running a team and all that goes into it for a few years.
2. Maybe doesn't have that young hungry edge or a recent pattern of elevating losing programs.

All in all this will come down to 3 things for me.

1. Is he stale, rusty or out of touch with the game, or ready to put together everything he's learned, all his connections and goals to turn things around?
2. Can he recruit " like heck"?
-and most importantly...
3. Will he hire the right Coordinators and let them do their thing?

If those questions are answered positively this will be a huge win.
I have no idea. But Dave Benedict's judgement will either be validated or abrogated by the result of this choice and for now we should support it. Certainly more positive than the last 3 picks on multiple levels.
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He recruited 5-6 1st round draft picks at UCLA.
 
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